JP2020087221A - Touch mode detection apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a touch mode detection apparatus which can detect a mode of an object to be detected accurately regardless of the size of the object.SOLUTION: A touch mode detection apparatus 10 includes: an information presentation apparatus 16 which presents an instruction to change to one of a plurality of touch modes including a predetermined reference mode; a capacitive touch sensor 14 which detects capacitance that is changed in accordance with touch modes; and an information processing apparatus 18 which sets a detected capacitance of the capacitive touch sensor 14 to be obtained when an instruction to change to the reference mode is presented by the information presentation apparatus 16 and a predetermined first condition is satisfied, to a reference capacitance corresponding to the reference mode, and detects one of the touch modes, on the basis of a ratio between the reference capacitance and a detected capacitance of the capacitive touch sensor 14 to be obtained when an instruction to change to other touch modes is presented by the information presentation apparatus 16 and when a predetermined second condition is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a touch mode detection device that performs touch detection including a touch mode by detecting a change in capacitance.

A touch detection device that performs touch detection by detecting a change in capacitance with an electrostatic touch sensor is generally known. In addition, a technique has been proposed in which a plurality of change modes having different aspects are detected based on the amount of change in capacitance (for example, Patent Document 1).

The technique described in Patent Document 1 proposes a capacitance detection device including a capacitance sensor and a control device that controls the capacitance sensor. In detail, the control device has a plurality of detection modes for detecting a capacitance change amount corresponding to a capacitance change amount of the capacitance sensor, and the control device has a capacitance in each of the plurality of detection modes. The amount of change is detected, and the presence or absence of an object that contacts or approaches the capacitance sensor is determined based on the amount of change in capacitance.

JP, 2017-83402, A

However, as in Patent Document 1, the state of the detection target can be detected by detecting the size of the detection capacitance, but since the detection capacitance depends on the size of the detection target (for example, the size of a hand), There is room for improvement in order to accurately detect the touch mode of the detection target.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above facts, and an object of the present invention is to provide a touch mode detection device capable of accurately detecting a mode of a detection target regardless of the size of the detection target.

In order to achieve the above object, the first mode is a presentation unit that presents an instruction to change to any one of a plurality of touch modes including a predetermined reference mode, and changes according to the touch mode. An electrostatic detection unit that detects electrostatic capacitance, and a detection result of the electrostatic detection unit when a predetermined first condition is satisfied by presenting an instruction to change to the reference state by the presenting unit, The reference capacity corresponding to the mode is set, and the detection result of the electrostatic detection section and the reference capacity in the case where a second condition set in advance is presented by presenting an instruction to change to another touch mode by the presentation section and the reference capacity A state detection unit that detects any one of the plurality of touch states based on the ratio of the above.

According to the first aspect, the presenting unit presents an instruction to change to any one of the plurality of touch modes including a predetermined reference mode, and the electrostatic detection unit changes according to the touch mode. Capacitance is detected.

Then, in the state detection unit, the detection result of the electrostatic detection unit when the instruction to change to the reference state is presented by the presentation unit and the predetermined first condition is satisfied is set to the reference capacity corresponding to the reference state. Of the plurality of touch modes based on the ratio between the detection result of the electrostatic detection unit and the reference capacitance when the presenting unit presents an instruction to change to another touch mode and a predetermined second condition is satisfied. Either touch aspect is detected. In this way, by setting the reference capacitance and detecting the touch mode based on the ratio of the detection result (detection capacitance) of the electrostatic detection unit and the reference capacitance, the detection target is detected regardless of the size of the detection target. It becomes possible to accurately detect the condition.

In addition, a pair of electrostatic detection units may be provided, and the state detection unit may set the detection result of the electrostatic detection unit that satisfies the first condition of the pair of electrostatic detection units as the reference capacitance.

Further, the presenting unit may present an instruction to change to the reference state, and may present an instruction to change to another touch state after the first condition is satisfied.

Further, the presentation unit may present an instruction to change to the reference state and an instruction to change to another touch state before the first condition is satisfied.

Further, the presentation unit may simultaneously present an instruction to change to the reference state and an instruction to change to another touch state.

Furthermore, the first condition is satisfied when the detection result of the electrostatic detection unit falls within the range of the detection capacity that is assumed when the state of the detection target changes to the reference state and reaches a predetermined stable state. The second condition is satisfied when the ratio between the detection result of the electrostatic detection unit and the reference capacitance is within a predetermined range and is in a stable state after the instruction to change to another touch mode is presented. You may apply.

As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a touch mode detection device that can accurately detect a mode of a detection target regardless of the size of the detection target.

It is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a touch mode detection device concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example which mounted the electrostatic type touch sensor and information presentation apparatus which comprise the touch mode detection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment in the vehicle. It is a figure which shows an example of the detection capacitance of the electrostatic touch sensor which changes with the size of a hand. It is a figure for demonstrating the concrete control procedure performed with the information processing apparatus of the touch mode detection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the method of determining a stable state. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing performed by the information processing device of the touch mode detection device according to the first embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing a modification of the flow of processing performed by the information processing device of the touch mode detection device according to the first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the touch mode detection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example which mounted the electrostatic touch sensor and information presentation apparatus which comprise the touch mode detection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment in the vehicle. It is a figure for demonstrating the concrete control procedure performed with the information processing apparatus of the touch mode detection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the information processing device of the touch mode detection device according to the second embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the concrete control procedure (1st procedure) performed with the information processing apparatus of the touch mode detection apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the concrete control procedure (2nd procedure) performed with the information processing apparatus of the touch mode detection apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows an example of a flow of processing performed with an information processor of a touch mode detecting device concerning a 3rd embodiment.

Hereinafter, an example of a touch mode detection device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
First, the touch mode detection device according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the touch mode detection device according to the present embodiment. Further, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example in which an electrostatic touch sensor and an information presenting device, which constitute the touch mode detecting device according to the present embodiment, are mounted on a vehicle.

The touch mode detection device 10 according to the present embodiment includes an electrostatic touch sensor 14 as an electrostatic detection unit, an information presentation device 16 as a presentation unit, and an information processing device 18 as a mode detection unit.

The electrostatic touch sensor 14 has a predetermined electrostatic capacity, and the electrostatic capacity increases when a hand as a detection target approaches or contacts. That is, the electrostatic touch sensor 14 detects the electrostatic capacitance that changes according to the touch mode of the detection target hand. The electrostatic touch sensor 14 is connected to the information processing device 18, and the electrostatic capacitance (may be referred to as a detection capacitance) detected by the electrostatic touch sensor 14 is output to the information processing device 18. As an example, in the present embodiment, the electrostatic touch sensor 14 is described as being provided on the steering wheel 12 to detect contact with the steering wheel 12, but is provided on the screen as shown in FIG. An electrostatic touch sensor or the like that detects contact with the touch panel may be applied.

The information presentation device 16 includes a monitor, a speaker, and the like, and presents information to the user by means of images, sounds, and the like. The information presentation device 16 is connected to the information processing device 18, and information is presented under the control of the information processing device 18. As the information to be presented, an instruction to change to any one of a plurality of touch modes including a predetermined standard mode is presented. The information presentation device 16 may be a display mounted in a vehicle, for example, as shown in FIG.

The information processing device 18 is configured by a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory. The CPU executes the process of presenting information by the information presenting device 16 by executing the program stored in advance in the memory, and also, based on the detection result of the electrostatic touch sensor 14, the touch mode including the touch mode. Execute the process of detecting.

Here, the touch detection including the touch mode by the information processing device 18 of the touch mode detection device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the electrostatic touch sensor 14 is provided on the steering wheel 12 and different modes are detected depending on the number of fingers touching the steering wheel 12. As an example, a state in which the steering wheel 12 is firmly held by all fingers is referred to as a reference state G ₀ , and a state in which the index finger is separated from the steering wheel 12 (a state in which the steering wheel 12 is held by a hand other than the index finger) is referred to as a state G ₁ . To do. Further, the state in which the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger are separated from the steering wheel (the state in which the steering wheel 12 is held by a hand other than the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger) is the state G ₂ , the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and A state in which the little finger is separated from the steering wheel (a state in which the steering wheel 12 is released from the hand) is referred to as a mode G ₃ .

When each state is detected by the electrostatic touch sensor 14, the detection capacitance changes depending on the size of the hand. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a large male and a small female have different detection capacities in the respective modes G _{0 to} G _2, but the detection in the reference mode G ₀ in which the detection capacity is maximum is large. The ratio between the capacity and the detected capacity in each of the modes G ₁ and G ₂ is substantially the same. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 18 detects the reference state G _0, and detects each state based on the ratio of the detected capacitance in the reference state G _{0 and} the detected capacitance after the state change (reference). Each mode is estimated from the reduction rate of the detected capacity with respect to mode G ₀ ).

Here, a specific control procedure performed by the information processing device 18 of the touch mode detection device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a specific control procedure performed by the information processing device 18 of the touch mode detection device 10 according to the present embodiment.

First, the information processing device 18 controls the information presentation device 16 to present the user with information for giving an instruction to change the detection target hand to the predetermined reference state G ₀ (instruction A in FIG. 4). ). Specifically, as the reference state G ₀ , the information presentation device 16 gives an instruction to perform an operation of gripping the steering wheel with all fingers. For example, the information presenting device 16 presents a message such as “Hold the steering wheel firmly” as presentation information by voice or display.

Then, the detected capacitance C (t) (> 0) is changed in the electrostatic touch sensor 14, for the past range of the predetermined time [Delta] T _0, the detection capacity is predetermined range _{(C 0min <C <C 0max} ), Further, when the detected capacitance is in a predetermined stable state (condition A in FIG. 4 is satisfied), the state of the detection target at that time t ₀ is set as the reference state G ₀ , and the detected capacitance C(t ₀ ) is set as the reference capacitance C. _Set to ₀ . Incidentally, [Delta] T ₀ is the minimum time where the target can be determined that the stable state, C _0min detection capacity when the user of the minimum hand is assumed became standard manner G _0, C _0max is the maximum hand envisioned It is the detected capacitance when the user becomes the reference state G ₀ .

Subsequently, the information processing device 18 controls the information presentation device 16 to provide the user with information for giving an instruction to change the detection target to any one of the predetermined n modes G _n . Present (instruction B in FIG. 4). Specifically, information for giving an instruction to change the number of fingers holding the steering wheel 12 is presented. For example, modes G _{1 to} G ₃ are assigned to three types of options, and the options can be selected by changing to any mode, and the information presentation device 16 selects any one of the three types of options. Instruct to select.

Then, the detection capacitance C(t) changes again, and the capacitance increase/decrease ratio C/C ₀ is within the predetermined range (r _kmin ≦C/C ₀ ≦r _kmax ) within the range of the latest predetermined time ΔT _k , and There the case of a predetermined steady state (condition B _k satisfied in FIG. 4), to estimate the manner of a detection target at the time t _k and _{G k (k = 1,2, ···} n, this embodiment Then n=3). In the present embodiment, the mode G _k changes depending on the number of fingers holding the steering wheel 12, and the mode G ₀ , the mode G _{1 in which} the index finger is separated from the steering wheel 12, the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger are used. Either the state G ₂ in the state of being separated from the steering wheel 12 or the state G _{3 in} the state of releasing the hand from the steering wheel 12 is estimated. That is, if the reference capacitance C ₀ due to the size of the hand is known, each state can be estimated by setting the range of the decrease rate of the detected capacitance with respect to the reference capacitance C ₀ for each state.

Here, r _1max for capacity controller ratio C / C ₀ aspects G ₁ relative to the aspects G _0, indicating the largest of size of the hand of the expected range. r _1min for capacity controller ratio C / C ₀ aspects G ₁ relative to the aspects G _0, indicating the smallest among the size of the hand of the expected range. ΔT ₁ indicates the minimum time during which the detection target can be determined to be in a stable state when the detection target is the state G ₁ . r _2max for capacity controller ratio C / C ₀ aspects G ₂ relative to the aspects G _0, indicating the largest of size of the hand of the expected range. r _2min for capacity controller ratio C / C ₀ aspects G ₂ relative to the aspects G _0, indicating the smallest among the size of the hand of the expected range. ΔT ₂ indicates the minimum time during which the detection target can be determined to be in a stable state when the detection target is the state G ₂ . r _3max for capacity controller ratio C / C ₀ of aspects G ₃ relative to the aspects G _0, indicating the largest of size of the hand of the expected range. r _3min for capacity controller ratio C / C ₀ of aspects G ₃ relative to the aspects G _0, indicating the smallest among the size of the hand of the expected range. ΔT ₃ indicates the minimum time during which the detection target can be determined to be in a stable state when the detection target is the state G ₃ .

The condition A corresponds to the first condition, and the condition B _k corresponds to the second condition. As a method for determining the stable state, which is one of the conditions for _satisfying the conditions A and B _k , for example, the detection capacitance within a predetermined time ΔT _k (k=0, 1, 2,... N) is used. As shown in FIG. 5, an algorithm for determining whether the range of C (maximum value-minimum value) is within a predetermined allowable error ΔC _k (k=0, 1, 2,... N) may be used. Further, the time ΔT _k and the predetermined allowable error ΔC _k may be arbitrarily set according to the magnitude of the reference capacitance C ₀ at that time. For example, the predetermined allowable error ΔC _k is the maximum noise magnitude (pp noise value) that can occur in the assumed operating environment in each mode.

Next, a specific process performed by the information processing device 18 of the touch mode detection device 10 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the information processing device 18 of the touch mode detection device 10 according to this embodiment.

In step 100, the information processing device 18 controls the information presentation device 16 so as to present the instruction A, and proceeds to step 102. For example, the information presenting device 16 presents an instruction to perform an operation of gripping the steering wheel with all fingers, such as "grasp the steering wheel firmly."

In step 102, the information processing device 18 determines whether the condition A is satisfied. That determines the extent of the predetermined time [Delta] T _0, the detection capacity is predetermined range _{(C 0min <C <C 0max} ), and whether or not the detected capacity becomes stable. The process waits until the determination is affirmative and proceeds to step 104.

In step 104, the information processing device 18 estimates that the state is G ₀ and proceeds to step 106.

In step 106, the information processing device 18 sets the detected capacitance C(t ₀ ) as the reference capacitance C _o and moves to step 108.

In step 108, the information processing device 18 controls the information presentation device 16 so as to present the instruction B, and proceeds to step 110. For example, modes G _{1 to} G ₃ are assigned to three types of options, and the options can be selected by changing to any mode, and the information presentation device 16 selects any one of the three types of options. Information for prompting the user to select is presented to the user.

In step 110, the information processing device 18 determines whether the condition B _k is satisfied. That is, it is determined whether or not the capacity increase/decrease ratio C/C ₀ is within a predetermined range (r _kmin ≦C/C ₀ ≦r _kmax ) within the range of the predetermined time ΔT _k and the detected capacity is in a predetermined stable state. The process waits until the determination is affirmative and moves to step 112.

In step 112, the information processing apparatus 18 estimates the mode from the ratio of the detected capacity to the reference capacity C ₀ and ends the series of processes. That is, if the reference capacitance C ₀ due to the size of the hand is known, each state can be estimated by predefining the range of the decrease rate of the detected capacitance with respect to the reference capacitance C ₀ for each state. Therefore, the state of the detection target can be accurately detected regardless of the size of the detection target hand.

In the process of FIG. 6, the example in which the user presents the instruction B after the condition A is satisfied according to the instruction A is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the instruction B may be presented to the user before the condition A is satisfied so that the user can quickly operate. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the instruction A may be presented in step 100, and then the process may proceed to step 108 to present the instruction B and proceed to step 102. Alternatively, the instruction A and the instruction B may be presented to the user at the same time. 7. Note that FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the flow of the processing performed by the information processing device 18 of the touch mode detection device 10 according to the present embodiment, and the same processing as that in FIG.

(Second embodiment)
Next, the touch mode detection device according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the touch mode detection device 11 according to the present embodiment. Further, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which the electrostatic touch sensors 14A and 14B and the information presenting device 16 which constitute the touch mode detecting device according to the present embodiment are mounted on an automobile. It should be noted that the same components as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the above embodiment, in order to estimate the state of the detection target by using the electrostatic touch sensor 14, the ratio of the detection capacitance in the reference state (reference capacitance) and the detection capacitance in the state of the estimation target is used. Therefore, the state of the detection target can be accurately determined regardless of the size of the hand. Further, in order to allow the user to perform a quick operation, the change to the next mode is presented before the determination as the reference mode, as in the process shown in FIG. 7.

However, if a change to the next state is presented before the reference state is determined, the reference capacity C ₀ may not be determined if the state changes to the next state without satisfying the determination condition of the reference state. is there. If the reference capacity C ₀ cannot be determined, the following aspect cannot be accurately estimated.

Therefore, in the touch mode detection device 11 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the electrostatic touch sensor 14 of the above embodiment is a pair of electrostatic touch sensors 14A and 14B, and the left and right hands of the user are used. It is provided corresponding to. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, one electrostatic touch sensor 14A is provided in a region corresponding to the left hand of the driver of the steering wheel 12, and the other electrostatic touch sensor 14B is provided to the driver of the steering wheel 12. It is provided in the area corresponding to the right hand of.

Then, the information processing device 18 controls the information presenting device 16 to present an instruction to change the reference mode with one hand to any one mode among a plurality of types of modes with the other hand. Thereby, the reference capacitance C _o can be detected by one hand, and the state of the other hand can be detected by using the reference capacitance C ₀ .

Here, a specific control procedure performed by the information processing device 18 of the touch mode detection device 11 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a specific control procedure performed by the information processing device 18 of the touch mode detection device 11 according to the present embodiment.

First, the information processing device 18 controls the information presenting device 16 to provide information for the user to change the reference mode with one hand and an arbitrary one mode among a plurality of types with the other hand. To the user (instruction AB in FIG. 10).

Then, the detected capacitance _{C p (t) (> 0} ) is nearest the range of the predetermined time [Delta] T ₀ of one of the electrostatic touch sensor 14A, the detection capacity is predetermined range _{(C 0min <C p <C} 0max), Further, when the detection capacitance is in a predetermined stable state (condition A in FIG. 10 is satisfied), the state of one hand of the detection target at that time t ₀ is set as the reference state G ₀ , and the detection capacitance C _p (t ₀ ) Is the reference capacitance C ₀ . Incidentally, [Delta] T ₀ is the minimum time where the target can be determined that the stable state, C _0min detection capacity when the user of the minimum hand is assumed became standard manner G _0, C _0max is the maximum hand envisioned It is the detected capacitance when the user becomes the reference state G ₀ .

Further, the detection capacitance C _q (t) (>0) of the other electrostatic touch sensor 14B changes, and the ratio C _q /C ₀ between the detection capacitance and the reference capacitance is predetermined within the range of the latest predetermined time ΔT _k. Within the range (r _{kmin ≤C q} /C _{0 ≤r kmax} ) and when the detection capacity is in a predetermined stable state (condition B _{k of} FIG. 10 is satisfied), the other hand to be detected at that time t _k Is estimated as G _k (k=1, 2,... N, n=3 in this embodiment). In the present embodiment, as in the above embodiments, the mode G _k changes depending on the number of fingers holding the steering wheel 12, and the mode G ₀ , the mode G ₁ in which the index finger is separated from the steering wheel 12, and the index finger. , The state G ₂ in which the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger are separated from the steering wheel 12, and the state G ₃ in which the hand is released from the steering wheel 12. That is, if the reference capacitance C ₀ due to the size of the hand is known, each state can be estimated by setting the range of the decrease rate of the detected capacitance with respect to the reference capacitance C ₀ for each state.

Further, the maximum value, the minimum value, and the determination time of the capacity increase/decrease ratio of each condition B _k (B _{1 to} B ₃ ) are determined as follows, as in the above embodiment.

r _1max for capacity controller ratio C _q / C ₀ aspects G ₁ relative to the aspects G _0, indicating the largest of size of the hand of the expected range. r _1min for capacity controller ratio C / C ₀ aspects G ₁ relative to the aspects G _0, indicating the smallest among the size of the hand of the expected range. ΔT ₁ indicates the minimum time during which the detection target can be determined to be in a stable state when the detection target is the state G ₁ . r _2max for capacity controller ratio C / C ₀ aspects G ₂ relative to the aspects G _0, indicating the largest of size of the hand of the expected range. r _2min for capacity controller ratio C _q / C ₀ aspects G ₂ relative to the aspects G _0, indicating the smallest among the size of the hand of the expected range. ΔT ₂ indicates the minimum time during which the detection target can be determined to be in a stable state when the detection target is the state G ₂ . r _3max for capacity controller ratio C _q / C ₀ aspects G ₃ relative to the aspects G _0, indicating the largest of size of the hand of the expected range. r _3min for capacity controller ratio C _q / C ₀ aspects G ₃ relative to the aspects G _0, indicating the smallest among the size of the hand of the expected range. ΔT ₃ indicates the minimum time during which the detection target can be determined to be in a stable state when the detection target is the state G ₃ .

As a method for determining the stable state, which is one of the conditions for _satisfying the conditions A and B _k , for example, the detection capacitance within a predetermined time ΔT _k (k=0, 1, 2,... N) is used. As shown in FIG. 5, an algorithm for determining whether the range of C (maximum value-minimum value) is within a predetermined allowable error ΔC _k (k=0, 1, 2,... N) may be used. Further, the time ΔT _k and the predetermined allowable error ΔC _k may be arbitrarily set according to the magnitude of the reference capacitance C ₀ at that time. For example, the predetermined allowable error ΔC _k is the maximum noise magnitude (pp noise value) that can occur in the assumed operating environment in each mode.

Next, a specific process performed by the information processing device 18 of the touch mode detection device 11 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the information processing device 18 of the touch mode detection device 11 according to this embodiment.

In step 200, the information processing device 18 controls the information presentation device 16 so as to present the instruction AB, and proceeds to step 202. That is, information for instructing the user to change the reference mode G ₀ with one hand and any one mode G _k among a plurality of types with the other hand is presented to the user.

In step 202, the information processing device 18 determines whether or not the condition A is satisfied for one of the detected capacities. That determines the extent of the predetermined time [Delta] T _0, one of the detected capacitance is within a predetermined range _{(C 0min <C p <C} 0max), and whether or not the detected capacity becomes stable. The process waits until the determination is affirmative and proceeds to step 204.

In step 204, the information processing apparatus 18 estimates that one hand is the state G ₀ and moves to step 206.

In step 206, the information processing device 18 proceeds to step 208 with one of the detected capacitances C _p (t ₀ ) as the reference capacitance C _o .

In step 208, the information processing device 18 determines whether or not the condition B _k is satisfied for the other detection capacitance C _q . That is, in the range of the predetermined time ΔT _k , the capacity increase/decrease ratio C _q /C ₀ is within a predetermined range (r _kmin ≦C _q /C ₀ ≦r _kmax ) and the detection capacity is predetermined for the other detection capacity C _q. It is determined whether the stable state has been reached. If the determination is negative, the process is terminated without estimating the mode, and if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 210.

In step 210, the information processing device 18 estimates the state of the other hand from the ratio of the other detected capacitance C _q to the reference capacitance C ₀ determined using the one detected capacitance C _p , and ends the series of processes. .. That is, if the reference capacitance C ₀ due to the size of the hand is known, each state can be estimated by predefining the range of the decrease rate of the detected capacitance with respect to the reference capacitance C ₀ for each state. Therefore, the state of the detection target can be accurately detected regardless of the size of the detection target hand. Further, in the present embodiment, the reference capacitance C ₀ is determined by one hand and the aspect is estimated by the other hand, so the reference capacitance C ₀ is definitely determined and the aspect of the other hand is accurately estimated. It becomes possible.

(Third Embodiment)
The present embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment, and basically has the same configuration as the second embodiment, but only the processing is different.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a specific control procedure (first procedure) performed by the information processing device 18 of the touch mode detection device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a touch diagram according to the present embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the concrete control procedure (2nd procedure) performed with the information processing apparatus 18 of a condition detection apparatus.

First, the information processing device 18 controls the information presentation device 16 to present the user with information for giving an instruction to change both hands to be detected to a predetermined reference state G ₀ (see FIGS. 12 and 13). Instruction E).

Next, the information processing device 18 controls the information presenting device 16 to arbitrarily select one of the n modes G _n (n is a natural number: n=3 in the present embodiment) of the one hand to be detected. The information for instructing to change to one of the above is presented to the user (instruction F in FIGS. 12 and 13). Hereinafter, it is assumed that the detection capacitance C _p of one hand of the detection target has changed.

The detection capacitance C _p (t) (>0) of the one electrostatic touch sensor 14A changes, and the detection capacitance is within the range of the latest predetermined time ΔT _x (t2-t1) when the time t ₂ is used as a reference. When C _p is within a predetermined range (C _xmin <C _p <C _xmax ) and the detected capacitance is in a predetermined stable state, the reference capacitance C ₀ is determined by the following method.

In the range of the latest predetermined time ΔT ₀ with reference to an arbitrary time point t ₀ (≦t ₁ ) after the instruction F is presented by the information presentation device 16, one detection capacitance C _p is within a predetermined range (C _{When 0 min} <C _p <C _{0 max} ) and the detection capacitance is in a predetermined stable state (condition E1 of FIG. 12 is satisfied), the state of one hand of the detection target at that time t ₀ is the reference state G _0. And one detection capacitance C _p (t ₀ ) is set as the reference capacitance C ₀ .

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the condition E1 is not satisfied, and the detection capacitance C _q of the other electrostatic touch sensor 14B is predetermined within the range of the predetermined time ΔT ₀ most recent with respect to the time point t _2. range _{(C 0min <C q <G} 0max), and, in the case of a stable state detection capacity is predetermined (condition E2 satisfied in FIG. 13), the manner of the other hand to be detected at that point in time t ₂ The reference state G ₀ is set, and the other detection capacitance C _q (t ₂ ) is set as the reference capacitance C ₀ .

According to the above, after the reference capacitance C ₀ is determined, the ratio of one detection capacitance C _p to the reference capacitance within the range of the latest predetermined time ΔT _k (=t _k2 −t _k1 ) at the time t _k2 (≧t ₂ ). When C _p /C _o is within a predetermined range (r _kmin ≦C _p /C ₀ ≦r _kmax ) and the detection capacitance C _p is in a predetermined stable state (condition F _{k in} FIGS. 12 and 13 is satisfied), The state of one hand of the detection target at time t _k2 is estimated to be G _k (k=1, 2,... N, n=3 in this embodiment). If none of the conditions F _k is satisfied, the state of one hand of the detection target is not estimated.

Note that the instruction F may be presented at the same time as the instruction E if the information is presented so that the user can understand that the user follows the instruction E and follows the instruction F.

Next, a specific process performed by the information processing device 18 of the touch mode detection device according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the information processing device 18 of the touch mode detection device according to this embodiment.

In step 300, the information processing device 18 controls the information presentation device 16 so as to present the instruction E, and proceeds to step 302. That is, the user is presented with information for instructing to change both hands to be detected to a predetermined reference state G ₀ .

In step 302, the information processing device 18 controls the information presentation device 16 so as to present the instruction F, and proceeds to step 304. That is, the user is presented with information for instructing to change one hand of the detection target to any one of the predetermined n modes G _n .

In step 304, it is determined whether the condition E1 is satisfied. That is, the detection capacitance C _{p of} one of the electrostatic touch sensors 14A is set to a predetermined value within a range of the latest predetermined time ΔT _{0 based on} an arbitrary time point t ₀ (≦t ₁ ) after the instruction F is presented. range _{(C 0min <C p <C} 0max), and the detection volume is determined whether or not a stable state. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 306, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 310.

In step 306, the information processing apparatus 18 estimates that one hand (left hand) is the state G ₀ and moves to step 308.

In step 308, the information processing apparatus 18 sets the detection capacitance C _p (t ₀ ) of the one electrostatic touch sensor 14A as the reference capacitance C _o and moves to step 316.

On the other hand, in step 310, it is determined whether the condition E2 is satisfied. That is, the condition E1 is not satisfied, and the detection capacitance C _q of the other electrostatic touch sensor 14B is within the predetermined range (C _0min <C in the range of the latest predetermined time ΔT _{0 based on} the time point t _{2. q} <C _0max ), and it is determined whether the detected capacitance is in a predetermined stable state. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 312, and if the determination is negative, the process returns to step 304 to repeat the above-described processing.

In step 312, the information processing apparatus 18 estimates that the other hand (right hand) is the state G ₀ and moves to step 314.

In step 314, the information processing device 18 proceeds to step 316 with the detection capacitance C _q (t ₂ ) of the other electrostatic touch sensor 14B as the reference capacitance C _o .

In step 316, the information processing device 18 determines whether or not the condition F _k is satisfied. That is, at time t _k2 (≧t ₂ ), the ratio C _p between the detection capacitance C _{p of} one electrostatic touch sensor 14A and the reference capacitance is calculated within the range of the latest predetermined time ΔT _k (=t _k2 −t _k1 ). It is determined _whether /C _o is within a predetermined range (r _{kmin ≤C p} /C _{0 ≤r kmax} ) and the detection capacitance C _p is in a stable state. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 318, and if the determination is negative, the process is ended without estimating the state of one hand (left hand) of the detection target.

In step 318, the information processing device 18 determines the state of one hand (left hand) from the ratio of the detection capacitance C _p of the one electrostatic touch sensor 14A to the reference capacitance C ₀ determined by using one of the detection capacitances. Is estimated and a series of processing is completed. That is, the state G _k of one hand (left hand) to be detected at time t _k2 is estimated based on the ratio C _p /C _o of the detection capacitance C _p of the one electrostatic touch sensor 14A and the reference capacitance C _0. To do. With this, similarly to each of the above-described embodiments, it is possible to accurately detect the state of the detection target regardless of the size of the detection target hand. Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to determine the reference capacitance C ₀ with either one of the hands by giving an instruction to change to the reference state G ₀ with both hands, so that the reference capacity C ₀ can be more reliably compared with the above embodiments. It is possible to determine the capacity C ₀ .

Although each of the above-described embodiments has been separately described, the configuration of FIG. 8 including the pair of electrostatic touch sensors 14A and 14B is provided, and the method of each embodiment is switchable. It may be a form in which touch detection is possible by any of the forms.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the example has been described in which the hand is the detection target, but the detection target is not limited to the hand, and other detection targets may be used.

Further, the processing performed by the information processing device 18 in the above-described embodiment has been described as software processing, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the processing may be performed by hardware or a combination of both hardware and software.

The processing performed by the information processing device 18 in the above embodiment may be stored in a storage medium as a program and distributed.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above, and it goes without saying that other than the above, the present invention can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention.

10... Touch mode detection device, 11... Touch mode detection device, 14... Electrostatic touch sensor, 14A... Electrostatic touch sensor, 14B... Electrostatic touch sensor, 16. ..Information presentation devices, 18... Information processing devices

Claims (6)

A presentation unit that presents an instruction to change to any one of a plurality of touch modes including a predetermined reference mode,
An electrostatic detection unit that detects an electrostatic capacitance that changes according to the touch mode,
The detection result of the electrostatic detection unit when the instruction to change to the reference state is presented by the presentation unit and the predetermined first condition is satisfied is set to the reference capacity corresponding to the reference state, and the presentation is performed. Of a plurality of touch modes on the basis of the ratio between the detection result of the electrostatic detection unit and the reference capacitance when a predetermined second condition is satisfied by presenting an instruction to change to another touch mode by the unit. A state detection unit that detects any touch state,
A touch mode detecting device including a. A pair of the electrostatic detection unit,
The touch state detection device according to claim 1, wherein the state detection unit sets, as the reference capacitance, a detection result of the electrostatic detection unit that is one of the pair of electrostatic detection units that satisfies the first condition. .. The touch aspect detection device according to claim 1, wherein the presenting unit presents an instruction to change to the reference manner and presents an instruction to change to the other touch manner after the first condition is satisfied. The touch aspect detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the presenting unit presents an instruction to change to the reference state and presents an instruction to change to the other touch state before the first condition is satisfied. . The touch mode detection device according to claim 1, wherein the presenting unit presents an instruction to change to the reference mode and an instruction to change to the other touch mode at the same time. The first condition is satisfied when the detection result of the electrostatic detection unit falls within the range of the detection capacitance assumed when the state of the detection target changes to the reference state and reaches a predetermined stable state. Then
The second condition is met when the ratio between the detection result of the electrostatic detection unit and the reference capacitance is within a predetermined range and the stable state is reached after the instruction to change to another touch mode is presented. The touch mode detecting device according to claim 1.